This begins a new way of testing and rollout from the company that could lead to more stability. The company is also bringing 19H2 builds to users via cumulative updates rather than the regular feature update framework to reduce disruption. “As mentioned previously, we may ship features in these updates turned off by default and turn them on via controlled feature rollouts. Doing this helps us gain better feedback on overall build quality,” explained Microsoft Insider leaders Brandon LeBlanc and Donar Sarkar in a blog post. “With today’s 19H2 build, we are testing this experience. Our plan is to quickly follow-up with another 19H2 build that turns these features on for a subset of Insiders and proceeds from there based on feedback and quality.”
Windows 10 19H2 Build 18362.10005 Release Notes
Microsoft did not reveal when it will roll out the included features. The likely answer is ‘when they’re ready’. Still, here’s what users have to look forward to:
“Windows containers require matched host and container version. This restricts customers and limits Windows containers from supporting mixed-version container pod scenarios This update includes 5 fixes to address this and allow the host to run down-level containers on up-level for process (Argon) isolation. A fix to allow OEMs to reduce the inking latency based on the hardware capabilities of their devices rather than being stuck with latency selected on typical hardware configuration by the OS. Key-rolling or Key-rotation feature enables secure rolling of Recovery passwords on MDM managed AAD devices upon on demand request from in-tune/MDM tools or upon every time recovery password is used to unlock the BitLocker protected drive. This feature will help prevent accidental recovery password disclosure as part of manual BitLocker drive unlock by users. A change to enable third-party digital assistants to voice activate above the Lock screen.”
The stand out addition here is clearly the last one. It means users should soon be able to invoke Alexa from the lock screen. Given the understated nature of 19H2, it could even end up one of its biggest features. Meanwhile, the enterprise additions, bug fixes, and performance upgrades could go a long way towards axing the recent perception that Windows 10 is unstable.
